Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

H T Keutmann

Publications and source records attributed to H T Keutmann.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Interaction of nascent preproparathyroid hormone molecules with microsomal membranes.

To characterize the early steps in the interaction of nascent chains of preproparathyroid hormone (prepro-PTH) with the secretory apparatus, such truncated nascent chains still attached to ribosomes were tested for binding to microsomal membranes and cleavage by signal peptidase. Nascent chains of 114, 97, 88, 81, 70, and 59 residues were tested for their ability to bind tightly to membranes and to undergo signal sequence cleavage. Chains of 81 residues and longer bound tightly to the membranes and were cleaved by signal peptidase. The 88- and 81-residue precursors and their corresponding pro-proteins were less efficiently associated with the membranes than were the 114- and 97-residue precursors and their corresponding pro-proteins. The 70-residue chain bound to the membrane but was not cleaved. When this peptide was subsequently released from the ribosome with puromycin, it was cleaved by signal peptidase. The 59-residue chain bound only slightly to the microsomal membrane and was not cleaved by signal peptidase, even when the nascent peptide was released from the ribosome with puromycin. Thus the critical length for productive binding to microsomal membranes is between 59 and 70 residues; the length required for signal cleavage is between 70 and 81 residues.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Solubilization of functional receptors for parathyroid hormone and parathyroid hormone-related peptide from clonal rat osteosarcoma cells, ROS17/2.8.

ROS17/2.8 cells, a cell line derived from a rat osteosarcoma, have abundant receptors for parathyroid hormone (PTH) and parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP). A particulate membrane fraction was prepared from these cells and it was solubilized using relatively mild conditions with digitonin (0.25%), a nonionic detergent. When radioligands of both PTH and PTHrP were incubated with this membrane fraction in the absence of any protease inhibitor at 15 degrees C, approximately 75% of these radioligands were degraded within 2 hours. This degradative activity was inhibited more effectively by bacitracin than by any of several other protease inhibitors tested. The digitonin-solubilized PTH/PTHrP receptors were radiolabeled in the presence of bacitracin using radioiodinated [Tyr36]PTHrP(1-36) amide (PTHrP(1-36)) and N-hydroxysuccinimidyl-4-azidobenzoate (HSAB), as cross-linker. When an aliquot of the reaction solution was subjected to sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and autoradiography, a broad band was observed that had an apparent molecular size of 90,000 daltons (M(r) = 90 kD). This band was no longer seen when the binding was conducted in the presence of 10(-6) M of unlabeled PTHrP(1-36), and it was decreased in density when binding was conducted in the presence of 10(-6) M of unlabeled [Nle8,18, Tyr34] bovine PTH(1-34) amide (NlePTH). The solubilized receptors retained their capacity to bind the radioligand after partial purification by wheat-germ agglutinin affinity-chromatography. The use of relatively mild detergent conditions thus offers a means to solubilize receptors that retain their capacity to bind PTH and PTHrP.

Animals↗

Alpha-enolase is restricted to basal cells of stratified squamous epithelium.

We have developed a monoclonal antibody against a 50-kDa protein that binds preferentially to basal cells in the limbus of rat, rabbit, and human corneas (J. D. Zieske, G. Bukusoglu, and M. A. Yankauckas, Invest. Ophthalmol. Visual Sci. 33, 143-152, 1992). Here we report on the purification and identification of the antigen. The 50-kDa antigen was purified from rabbit limbal and corneal epithelium using HPLC methodology including anion exchange (DEAE) followed by reverse-phase (C18) chromatography. The purified 50-kDa protein was then digested with endoproteinase Lys-C, and a reproducible profile comprising approximately 20 peptides was observed by reverse-phase HPLC of the digest. Sequence analysis of five peptides ranging in length from 4 to 20 residues revealed that the 50-kDa protein was alpha-enolase, a glycolytic enzyme. Overall, 57 amino acids were identified with a 95% sequence homology. Localization of alpha-enolase in rat epithelium by immunofluorescence microscopy demonstrated that simple epithelium contained low or undetectable levels of the enzyme. Stratified squamous epithelium, however, showed high levels of alpha-enolase, which was localized specifically to cells of the basal layer. Epidermal, corneal limbal, oral mucosal, vaginal, and laryngeal epithelium all showed cytoplasmic binding specific to the basal cells. These data indicate that the glycolytic enzyme alpha-enolase is preferentially localized in the basal cell layer of stratified squamous epithelium and suggest that glycolytic activity is concentrated in these cells. The localization pattern suggests that a major change in metabolism occurs as cells leave the mitotically active basal cell layer and migrate toward terminal differentiation in the suprabasal cell layers.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Structure of a receptor-binding fragment from human luteinizing hormone beta-subunit determined by [1H]- and [15N]nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

The structure of the glycoprotein hormones (LH, CG, FSH, and TSH) and their mechanism of receptor recognition are problems of long-standing interest and speculation. Here we describe the two-dimensional [1H]nuclear magnetic resonance ([1H]NMR) analysis of a linear peptide model for the intercysteine sequence (38-57) from the beta-subunit of human (h) LH. This sequence contains functional determinants for receptor binding and postreceptor activation and is predicted by computer-based modeling to fold as a compact minidomain containing a central amphipathic helix. To test this prediction, an Arg-extended disulfide-free (38-57) analog of enhanced solubility was prepared for complementary circular-dichroic and two-dimensional NMR studies. The linear peptide retains ovarian membrane receptor-binding activity. Although the peptide is not highly structured in aqueous solution, circular-dichroic analysis shows partial alpha-helix formation in a lipophilic medium (50% trifluoroethanol). Complete sequential assignment is obtained in 50% trifluoroethanol based on homonuclear and [15N]edited heteronuclear NMR methods. alpha-Helix-related (i,i + 3) connectivities are observed by nuclear-Overhauser effect spectroscopy that define an amphipathic alpha-helical segment (residues 41-48). Additional long range nuclear-Overhauser effects are observed in the C-terminal region that are consistent with beta-turns involving one or more proline residues; these may serve to reverse the direction of the peptide chain. A nuclear-Overhauser effect contact is identified between residues 38 and 55 at opposite ends of the linear sequence, suggesting that a loop configuration is significantly populated in this solvent system. These results, taken together, characterize elements of ordered structure in the 38-57 peptide, which appear to be distinguishing features of hLH (and the homologous region of hCG). We propose that the structure of this peptide provides a model for the structure of the corresponding region of native hLH in the hormone-receptor complex.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Alternating zinc fingers in the human male-associated protein ZFY: HX3H and HX4H motifs encode a local structural switch.

The two-finger repeat in the human male-associated protein ZFY provides a model for comparative 2D-NMR studies of classical and variant Zn fingers. This repeat is defined in part by an alternation in spacing between consensus (HX3H) and variant (HX4H) histidine spacings. To investigate the effects of a "switch" between alternative histidine spacings, we have designed an HX3H analogue of a representative HX4H domain of known structure [ZFY-6; Kochoyan, M., Havel, T., Nguyen, D. T., Dahl, C. E., Keutmann, H. T., & Weiss, M. A. (1991) Biochemistry 30, 3371-3386]. The HX3H analogue (designated ZFY-switch) forms a tetrahedral Co2+ complex whose thermodynamic stability is similar to that of the parent peptide. 2D-NMR studies demonstrate that ZFY-switch and ZFY-6, although similar in overall structure, exhibit significant local changes near the site of deletion. Whereas the HX4H site in the native finger forms a nonstandard loop, the HX3H site in ZFY-switch folds as a 3(10) extension of the C-terminal alpha-helix, as observed in the NMR solution structure of a consensus HX3H domain [Lee, M. S., Gippert, G. P., Soman, K. V., Case, D. A., & Wright, P. E. (1989) Science 245, 635-637] and in the crystal structure of a representative Zn finger-DNA complex [Pavletich, N. P., & Pabo, C. O. (1991) Science 252, 809-817]. We propose that variant histidine spacings (HX3H and HX4H) encode a local switch between alternative surface architectures with implications for models of protein-DNA recognition.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Architectural rules of the zinc-finger motif: comparative two-dimensional NMR studies of native and "aromatic-swap" domains define a "weakly polar switch".

The Zn-finger motif, encoding a globular minidomain with characteristic structure, provides a striking example of a sequence template for protein folding. Insight into architectural rules relating the amino acid sequence of a protein to its structure and stability may be obtained by comparative study of analogues. As our first step toward defining such rules for the Zn finger, we have recently described the design of an "aromatic-swap" analogue based on the ZFY two-finger repeat: a conserved alternation in sequence pattern observed among odd- and even-numbered domains in a family of sex-related vertebrate transcription factors. Consensus and "swapped" aromatic residues, introduced as revertants of less stable "aromaticless" analogues, were observed to provide equivalent contributions to the thermodynamic stability of the Zn finger. Here we describe and compare the solution structures of a wild-type domain and an aromatic-swap analogue, as determined by two-dimensional NMR and distance-geometry/restrained molecular dynamics calculations. The wild-type and aromatic-swap analogue each contain an N-terminal beta-sheet and a C-terminal alpha-helix (beta beta alpha motif), as observed in other systems, and exhibit a highly ordered hydrophobic core in which the native or swapped aromatic ring is closely packed. Remarkably, however, the two structures are stabilized by alternative aromatic-aromatic interactions, which in turn alter the respective DNA-binding surfaces. Our results suggest that native and swapped Zn-finger sequences encode a "weakly polar switch" between thermodynamically equivalent but functionally distinct architectures for DNA recognition.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Alternating zinc fingers in the human male associated protein ZFY: refinement of the NMR structure of an even finger by selective deuterium labeling and implications for DNA recognition.

ZFY, a male-associated Zn-finger protein encoded by the human Y chromosome, exhibits a distinctive two-finger repeat: whereas odd-numbered domains fit a general consensus, even-numbered domains exhibit systematic differences. Do these odd and even sequences encode structurally distinct surfaces for DNA recognition? As a first step toward answering this question, we have recently described the sequential 1H NMR assignment of a representative nonconsensus Zn finger (designated ZFY-6T) based on 2D NMR studies of a 30-residue peptide [Kochoyan, M., Havel, T.F., Nguyen, D.T., Dahl, C.E., Keutmann, H. T., & Weiss, M.A. (1991) Biochemistry 30, 3371-3386]. Initial structural modeling by distance geometry/simulated annealing (DG/SA) demonstrated that this peptide retained the N-terminal beta-hairpin and C-terminal alpha-helix (beta beta alpha motif) observed in consensus Zn fingers. However, the precision of this initial structure was limited by resonance overlap, which led to ambiguities in the assignment of key NOEs in the hydrophobic core. In this paper these ambiguities are resolved by selective deuterium labeling, enabling a refined structure to be calculated by DG/SA and restrained molecular dynamics. These calculations provide a detailed view of the hydrophobic core and protein surface, which are analyzed in reference to previously characterized Zn fingers. Variant (even) and consensus (odd) aromatic residues Y10 and F12, shown in an "aromatic swap" analogue to provide equivalent contributions to the hydrophobic core [Weiss, M.A., & Keutmann, H.T. (1990) Biochemistry 29, 9808-9813], nevertheless exhibit striking differences in packing interactions: Y10--but not F12--contributes to a contiguous region of the protein surface defined by putative specificity-determining residues. Alternating surface architectures may have implications for the mechanism of DNA recognition by the ZFY two-finger repeat.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Mutational analysis of the receptor-activating region of human parathyroid hormone.

The first 4 residues of parathyroid hormone (PTH) are highly conserved in evolution and are important for biological activity. We randomly mutated codons 1-4 of human PTH (hPTH) with degenerate oligonucleotides and, after expression in COS cells, screened the mutants for receptor binding and cAMP-stimulating activity using ROS 17/2.8 cells. This survey identified Glu4 and Val2 as important determinants of receptor binding and activation, respectively. Positions 1 and 3 were more tolerant of substitutions indicating that these sites are less vital to hormone function. Activities of synthetic hPTH(1-34) analogs further demonstrated the importance of positions 2 and 4. The binding affinity of [Ala4,Tyr34] hPTH(1-34)NH2 was 100-fold reduced relative to [Tyr34]hPTH(1-34)NH2 (Kd values = 653 +/- 270 and 4 +/- 1 nM, respectively), and [Arg2, Tyr34]hPTH(1-34)NH2 was a weak partial agonist which bound well to the ROS cell receptor (Kd = 31 +/- 10 nM). The Arg2 analog was nearly as potent as PTH(3-34) as an in vitro PTH antagonist in osteoblast derived cells. However, unlike PTH(3-34), [Arg2]PTH was a full agonist in opossum kidney (OK) cells. These observations suggest that the activation domains of the OK and ROS cell PTH receptors are different. Thus, amino-terminal PTH analogs may be useful as probes for distinguishing properties of PTH receptors.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Peptidyl-alpha-hydroxyglycine alpha-amidating lyase. Purification, characterization, and expression.

The production of alpha-amidated peptides from their glycine-extended precursors is a two-step process involving the sequential action of two catalytic domains encoded by the bifunctional peptidylglycine alpha-amidating monooxygenase (PAM) precursor. The NH2-terminal third of the PAM precursor contains the first enzyme, peptidylglycine alpha-hydroxylating monooxygenase (PHM), a copper, molecular oxygen, and ascorbate-dependent enzyme. The middle third of the PAM precursor contains the second enzyme, peptidyl-alpha-hydroxyglycine alpha-amidating lyase (PAL). The COOH-terminal third of the PAM precursor encodes a transmembrane domain and a hydrophilic domain that may form a cytoplasmic tail. Antisera to a peptide within the PAL domain were used to identify a 50-kDa protein as the major form of PAL in bovine neurointermediate pituitary granules. This 50-kDa PAL protein was purified and found to begin at Asp434 of bPAM, indicating that it could arise through endoproteolytic cleavage of the bPAM precursor at Lys432-Lys433. With alpha-N-acetyl-Tyr-Val-alpha-hydroxyglycine as the substrate, PAL exhibits a pH optimum of 5.0; enzymatic activity is inhibited by high concentrations of salt but is relatively resistant to thiol reagents and urea. PAL activity is inhibited by EDTA and restored by a number of divalent metals, including Cd2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, and Ca2+. Kinetic studies using alpha-N-acetyl-Tyr-Val-alpha-hydroxyglycine indicate that PAL has a Km of 38 microM and a turnover number of 220/s. Expression vectors encoding only the soluble PHM domain or the PAM precursor from which the PHM domain had been deleted were constructed. hEK293 cells transfected with the PHM vector exhibited a 10-fold increase in secretion of PHM activity with no PHM activity detectable in control or transfected cells. hEK293 cells transfected with the PAL vector exhibited a 2-fold increase in secretion of PAL activity and a 15-fold increase in cellular PAL activity. Most of the PAL activity produced by the transfected cells remained membrane-associated.

Amidine-Lyases↗

Alternating zinc fingers in the human male associated protein ZFY: 2D NMR structure of an even finger and implications for "jumping-linker" DNA recognition.

ZFY, a sex-related Zn-finger protein encoded by the human Y chromosome, is distinguished from the general class of Zn-finger proteins by the presence of a two-finger repeat. Whereas odd-numbered domains and linkers fit a general consensus, even-numbered domains and linkers exhibit systematic differences. Because this alternation may have fundamental implications for the mechanism of protein-DNA recognition, we have undertaken biochemical and structural studies of fragments of ZFY. We describe here the solution structure of a representative nonconsensus (even-numbered) Zn finger based on 2D NMR studies of a 30-residue peptide. Structural modeling by distance geometry and simulated annealing (DG/SA) demonstrates that this peptide folds as a miniglobular domain containing a C-terminal beta--hairpin and N-terminal alpha-helix (beta beta alpha motif). These features are similar to (but not identical with) those previously described in consensus-type Zn fingers (derived from ADR1 and Xfin); the similarities suggest that even and odd ZFY domains bind DNA by a common mechanism. A model of the protein-DNA complex (designated the "jumping-linker" model) is presented and discussed in terms of the ZFY two-finger repeat. In this model every other linker is proposed to cross the minor groove by means of a putative finger/linker submotif HX4HX3-hydrophobic residue-X3. Analogous use of a hydrophobic residue in a linker that spans the minor groove has recently been described in crystallographic and 3D NMR studies of homeodomain-DNA complexes. The proposed model of ZFY is supported in part by the hydroxyl radical footprint of the TFIIIA-DNA complex [Churchill, M.E.A., Tullius, T.D., & Klug, A. (1990) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 87, 5528-5532].

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Carbohydrate modifications transform human chorionic gonadotropin into a potent stimulator of adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate and growth responses in FRTL-5 thyroid cells.

To delineate the role of carbohydrate moiety in the expression of in vitro thyrotropic activity of hCG, its variants that lacked sialic acid residues or the entire carbohydrate moiety on one or both subunits were prepared. They along with intact hCG were then tested for the abilities to bind to TSH receptor and stimulate cAMP production and growth responses in FRTL-5 cells. The removal of sialic acid from either one or both subunits sharply increased the [125I]bovine TSH binding-inhibiting activity of hCG in the receptor assay. Among the variants tested, desialylated hCG (as-hCG) was the most potent inhibitor, followed by alpha-as-beta, as-alpha-beta, and hCG in that order. With respect to their abilities to stimulate cAMP generation in the cells, the activities of all desialylated hCG variants were markedly higher than that of hCG itself, and as in the receptor assay, as-hCG was the most potent stimulator tested. At the same concentration (100 micrograms/ml), as-alpha-beta, alpha-as-beta, and hCG were approximately only 57%, 46%, and 27% as active as as-hCG in activating cAMP production. The findings in the growth assay were entirely consistent with those noted in the cAMP response assay. Among the deglycosylated hybrids examined, alpha-dg-beta was the most effective in activating cAMP release. An equivalent dose (200 micrograms/ml) was about 1.7, 2.7, and 3.8 times as active as dg-hCG dg-alpha-beta, and hCG, respectively. The deglycosylated variants of hCG showed a similar pattern of activity in growth response and cAMP accumulation assays. In both cases, alpha-dg-beta was the most potent stimulator, while hCG was the least active. No significant difference between the potencies of dg-alpha-beta and alpha-dg-beta was discerned in the receptor assay; however, deglycosylated hCG (dg-hCG) was sharply more active. Results of these studies strongly suggest that the optimal expression of in vitro thyrotropic activity of hCG variants in FRTL-5 cells may require an alpha-subunit, with intact carbohydrate, in combination with the deglycosylated beta-subunit. Further, they demonstrate that modification of the hCG carbohydrate moiety alone can transform it from a weak agonist to a potent stimulator of in vitro thyrotropic bioactivity. These results also provide further evidence to support the notion that the degree of expression of thyrotropic activity is strongly affected by the species in which the studies are performed.

Animals↗

Investigation of the structural requirements for peptide precursor processing in AtT-20 cells using site-directed mutagenesis of proadrenocorticotropin/endorphin.

Mouse pro-ACTH/endorphin (or POMC) contains in its sequence each of the four possible pairs of basic amino acids recognized as potential cleavage sites in the production of bioactive peptides from higher mol wt precursors: KR (lysine-arginine), RR, RK, and KK. To examine the structural requirements for processing and routing in one region of pro-ACTH/endorphin, a reporter mutation was introduced into the mouse pro-ACTH/endorphin cDNA; a methionine residue was mutated to an isoleucine residue to allow biosynthetic double labeling with [3H]Ile and [35S]Met. Analysis of stable cell lines expressing the reporter cDNA indicated that this mutation did not affect processing or secretion. Therefore, additional mutations were introduced on the reporter background to investigate important structural features of the precursor. First, the tripeptide signal for N-linked glycosylation in the N-terminal glycopeptide (Asn65,Ser66,Ser67) was disrupted by the conservative substitution of asparagine65 with a glutamine residue. Secondly, O-glycosylation was prevented by substitution of threonine45 with an alanine residue. Finally, lysine50 was mutated to an arginine residue, transforming the RK doublet preceding the gamma 3MSH sequence into an RR doublet. The results show that the enzymatic machinery of AtT-20 cells fails to cleave efficiently at the Arg-Lys (RK) site even after elimination of any possible structural hindrance by carbohydrate side-chains. Elimination of O-linked oligosaccharides to the N-terminal side of gamma 3MSH did not allow cleavage at the RK site, and elimination of N-linked oligosaccharides did not alter the processing and routing of pro-ACTH/endorphin in AtT-20 cells. However, mutation of the RK sequence to RR allowed extensive cleavage regardless of the occurrence of O- or N-glycosylation.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗

Partial primary sequence of a human endometrial epithelial progesterone dependent protein secreted in vitro.

We have recently identified a uterine progesterone-dependent 25 kD protein (protein #27) secreted by endometrial epithelial cells but not stroma. Protein #27 was originally isolated from human luteal phase uterine fluids and partially purified by two-dimensional gel-electrophoresis and electroelution. It could not be detected in serum. We here report the further purification and amino terminal sequence of this protein, obtained from in vitro luteal phase endometrial tissue incubation media. Protein #27 was purified by a one-step method using reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography. Amino acid compositional analysis confirms a high content of nonpolar and hydrophobic residues (40 mol%) and reveals a preponderance of acidic amino acids, consistent with its isoelectric point (5.9-6.3 pH). The amino terminal sequence obtained from a single individual reveals 85% homology with that of pregnancy-associated alpha 2-globulin from pooled cytosolic fractions from pregnancy endometria. We propose that protein #27, secreted by the endometrial epithelium, is an excellent candidate for a marker to be used to study pathological processes of the endometrium such as endometriosis and invasive carcinoma.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Alternating zinc finger motifs in the male-associated protein ZFY: defining architectural rules by mutagenesis and design of an "aromatic swap" second-site revertant.

We describe spectroscopic and biochemical studies of native and mutant Zn finger peptides from ZFY, a putative transcription factor encoded by the sex-determining region of the human Y chromosome. The parent peptide, based on ZFY domain 6, exhibits metal-dependent helix formation within a rigid tertiary framework. Nonaromatic substitutions of the consensus aromatic group (Tyr 10----Ser or Lys) are surprisingly compatible with native architecture but result in loss of stability to pH or guanidine denaturation. Remarkably, these perturbations are reverted by a second-site mutation in which an alternative aromatic residue is introduced (Ser 12----Phe). Design of the second-site revertant ("aromatic swap") is based on the ZFY two-finger repeat, a conserved symmetry among the ZFY-related zinc finger proteins, and is in accord with recent 2D NMR structures of Zn finger peptides. These experiments suggest general rules for metal-dependent folding of the Zn finger motif.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Expression of human parathyroid hormone-(1-84) in Escherichia coli as a factor X-cleavable fusion protein.

Recombinant human parathyroid hormone (hPTH)-(1-84) was obtained from Escherichia coli using a cleavable fusion protein strategy. The fusion protein contains residues 1-138 of human growth hormone as the amino-terminal region and residues 1-84 of hPTH as the carboxyl-terminal region. A 7-residue linker containing the recognition/cleavage sequence of the site-specific blood coagulation protease activated factor X (factor Xa) joins the two regions. Intact hPTH-(1-84) is released from this fusion protein by cleavage in vitro with factor Xa. The fusion protein was produced at a high level and formed inclusion bodies which allowed it to be easily purified by low speed centrifugation, with a yield of approximately 50 mg/liter of culture. After factor Xa cleavage and high performance liquid chromatography purification, highly purified hPTH was obtained, with a final yield of 1.5-3 mg/liter. Physical and biological characterization of the purified hormone demonstrated that it was intact and active hPTH-(1-84).

Animals↗

Preparation and characterization of [N alpha-(4-azido-2-nitrophenyl)Ala1,Tyr36]-parathyroid hormone related peptide (1-36)amide: a high-affinity, partial agonist having high cross-linking efficiency with its receptor on ROS 17/2.8 cells.

The synthesis, purification, and structural analysis of the major compounds resulting from photoderivatization of [Tyr36]-parathyroid hormone related peptide (1-36)amide [[Tyr36]PTHrP(1-36)amide] are described. The reaction of the synthetic peptide with 4-fluoro-3-nitrophenyl azide under nonaqueous conditions yields three major products (peaks D-1, D-2, and G), which were purified to homogeneity by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Subsequent amino acid analysis showed that the peptides of peaks D-1 and G each lack one lysine residue, while the peptide in peak D-2 lacks one alanine residue, suggesting that these residues are chemically modified by photoderivatization. Sequence analysis of the photoderivatized peptides revealed that compounds D-1 and G were derivatized on Lys13 and Lys11, respectively. Compound D-2 was N-blocked, indicating that this compound is derivatized on the alpha-amino function of Ala1. Both Lys residues of D-2 were quantitatively recovered upon sequencing after digestion with endoproteinase Glu-C. Compounds D-2 and G had apparent KdS of 1 X 10(-9) M and 0.6 X 10(-9) M, respectively, for their receptors on ROS 17/2.8 cells, which are identical with or similar to that of the underivatized [Tyr36]PTHrP(1-36)amide. Compound G had the same adenylate cyclase stimulating potency as the underivatized, synthetic [Tyr36]PTHrP(1-36)amide, whereas compound D-2 was only a partial agonist, having about 25% of the maximal cAMP production. Compound D-1, which is modified on Lys13, retained only 2-4% of its receptor binding affinity and biological activity relative to that of its parent compound.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Affinity Labels↗

Alternating zinc-finger motifs in the human male-associated protein ZFY.

ZFY, a putative transcription factor encoded by the human Y chromosome, contains a distinctive two-finger repeat: odd-numbered and even-numbered CC/HH metal-binding motifs exhibit systematic alternation in sequence pattern. Such alternation, which is not generally observed in zinc-finger proteins, has also been described in an extensive family of Kruppel-like genes in Xenopus laevis and in the AIDS-associated human DNA-binding protein HIV-EP1. The strict conservation of a two-finger repeat among ZFY-, Kruppel- and HIV-related zinc-finger proteins suggests distinct mechanisms of protein-nucleic acid recognition. To test whether this sequence pattern reflects an underlying alternation in domain structure, we have synthesized and characterized single-finger peptides from the human ZFY gene. Remarkably, systematic differences in metal-dependent folding are observed in the circular dichroism spectra of even- and odd-numbered domains. Our results suggest the existence of distinct CC/HH finger submotifs, which may play different roles in nucleic acid recognition.

Amino Acid Sequence↗